My presentation is dedicated to John Money, and it is an honor for me to give the first paper at this organization in his name and in his memory. John Money died in 2006, his death was considered by many as a great loss of a truly original thinker who had shaped the field for more than 50 years with his ideas, research and prolific writing. John Money was a pioneer in the true sense and committed himself to an area of research which previously had not existed - the field of psychoendocrinology. His studies with intersex patients and his research into the foundations of sexuality and gender changed the theoretical and clinical discourse world-wide. A tribute to John Money would fall short without mentioning his passionate commitment to the rights of the individual and the freedom of sexual behavior expression.

In that spirit, this address will focus on the ongoing battle around sexual rights and individual freedom for everyone. Public health policies have a long history of being shaped by political and moral agendas rather than by established evidence and best practices. Specifically, ideology has prevented young people from having access to effective sexuality education and protection against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. It also has provided the rationale for denying equal rights to persons in same sex partnerships. Most profoundly religious and ideological beliefs have been the major road block to achieving gender equity and sexual and reproductive rights for women all over the world.